Visa Delays Trap Tech Workers Abroad

Employees at leading technology companies, including Google and Apple, are being urged to postpone international travel. Law firms representing these companies have issued warnings indicating that visa processing times are unusually long, creating a risk of extended stays abroad for those needing to re-enter the United States. This advisory specifically targets individuals who require a visa stamp for their return.

The State Department has stated that embassies are prioritizing thorough vetting of each visa case, contributing to the current delays. These extensive checks, coupled with new requirements for social media vetting, have led to the cancellation or rescheduling of appointments for many professionals seeking to renew their U.S. work visas, particularly those traveling from India.

This situation underscores a growing challenge for the tech industry, which relies on a global workforce. The warnings come after similar concerns were raised in September regarding substantial fees associated with H-1B visa applications. The ongoing visa processing issues are creating uncertainty for international employees and their employers.